Q: Would Like to purchase a “digital scanner” for future diagnostic use. What to get?

[Jlaa]

Hi folks,

I have read a lot about graduating from blink code readers to digital scanners. May I ask - what am I looking for? I check out ebay and I see “star c5” or “star c6” from China that comes with a naked hard drive. Are you supposed to build a PC with that hard drive or something? Also I read the the Chinese knockoffs have some incompatibility issue?

The various threads I see all reference “mt2500” or “HHT-Win” or “STAR SDS” or “C3 C4” and, not knowing what the whole system is supposed to look like, I am kind of lost. Any guidance for a plug and play solution is appreciated since I do not know what I am doing. Thanks. Snippets below for reference:

Not a scope, a Mercedes-specific digital scanner that will show actual values / live data from the computer modules. Specifically, the Star Diagnostics / SDS, either C3 or C4, with HHT-Win support.

Definitely try unplugging the MAF and see what happens! This is easy and free.

For a digital scanner, SDS (C3 or C4) with HHT-Win support is the only viable option. On the bright side that will work on all MB's through present day, or whatever date the software is anyway. It MUST have HHT-Win support for the 1990's cars though; be careful when shopping.

Does the car run & drive normally? Are you certain the tachometer is accurately reading 1000rpm at hot idle?

Idle speed is controlled by the E-GAS module and ETA. Temp sensors should not cause this behavior.

You really need live data from a digital scanner (HHT-Win on SDS) for further diagnostics, assuming no fault codes are stored.

 

[gerryvz]

Hi folks,

I have read a lot about graduating from blink code readers to digital scanners. May I ask - what am I looking for? I check out ebay and I see “star c5” or “star c6” from China that comes with a naked hard drive. Are you supposed to build a PC with that hard drive or something? Also I read the the Chinese knockoffs have some incompatibility issue?

The various threads I see all reference “mt2500” or “HHT-Win” or “STAR SDS” or “C3 C4” and, not knowing what the whole system is supposed to look like, I am kind of lost. Any guidance for a plug and play solution is appreciated since I do not know what I am doing. Thanks. Snippets below for reference:

Basic / background reading:

Exploring the MB STAR C3 (SDS) | De-Coding

MODERATOR UPDATE: This information was posted in 2012. As of 2022-2023, the C3 systems have become nearly obsolete, with poor support from overseas vendors, and some C3 multiplexers not communicating with the EZL (ignition computer) found on LH-SFI systems. The SDS C4 with HHT-Win support is the...

www.500eboard.co

 

[gsxr]

You need Star C3 or C4 and the seller *must* confirm HHT-Win support. Most vendors are pushing the newest / latest software (2021) which you don't need. Software of 2008-2014 vintage will be fine, don't pay extra for newer software. MB pulled HHT-Win support in newer software, and sellers have to add a shortcut on the Windows desktop as a manual workaround - this is why some newer setups don't mention it, few people need it, and it's a hassle for the seller. HHT-Win is only required for 1990's up to some 2002 models with 38-pin diagnostic ports. That includes all W124.

Given the reported issues with some C3 multiplexers not communicating with the EZL, I would look for an SDS C4 with HHT-Win. Too much of a gamble buying a C3 unless it's a used kit that the seller has confirmed works with an LH EZL. Edit: To date, I have not heard of any issues with C4+EZL, but that doesn't mean the C4 is guaranteed to communicate with EZL.

Forum member @E500star has supplied good kits to other members in the past, try contacting him. You can find his old listings in the classifieds, I think from 2020.

Don't bother with the MT-2500, this has limited functionality, and was more enticing when SDS kits were over $1k. Now that SDS is available for less, it isn't worth messing with the Snap-On unless you don't need all the data, or are looking for a budget solution. The MT-2500 does provide live data for the systems it will communicate with (all except ABS/ASR - see W124performance, click here for details).

You STILL need a hand-held blink code reader to pull codes from HVAC (pin 16) and SRS (pin 30). Neither of these systems will communicate digitally, despite the HHT-Win software trying unsuccessfully to communicate with SRS and reporting an error.

 

[gerryvz]

I also have the Trisco Palm Scan, which hasn't been made for probably 15 years. This unit will pull all codes via a 38-pin connector and plug it comes with, including the "three digit" codes on one of the modules that the home-made/hand-held blink code readers cannot do.

The Trisco doesn't do live data, though. I'd classify it as a "super" blink code reader, that uses an LCD display and gives the details of the codes in Engrish via the display (as well as the code numbers). It also allows you to reset/delete the codes via the unit, too.

I have a relatively recent (2-3 year old) model of the Star C3 (along with a 10-year-old one down in the basement somewhere) that DOES NOT read the EZL codes, although my older one DOES read them.

 

[darek_u]

Has anybody explored this route any further?
HFM Scan now works on 500E'S!! | De-Coding

 

[nmal]

Is this scan tool of any use to our cars? It was given to me by my brother in law a few years ago and I haven't tinkered with it. Baum CS2000. Any insight is appreciated.

-nmal

 

[gsxr]

Has anybody explored this route any further?
HFM Scan now works on 500E'S!! | De-Coding

Not yet. I haven't had time to experiment, I was hoping someone else would give it a try and see what may be useful. Note that this likely will only give data from the LH module, and possibly some data available via CAN, but other data may not be available at al (i.e., ignition voltages per cylinder).

Is this scan tool of any use to our cars? It was given to me by my brother in law a few years ago and I haven't tinkered with it. Baum CS2000. Any insight is appreciated.

Yes, if it has the appropriate software cartridges, that setup is similar to the Snap-On scanners... has some advantages & disadvantages vs Snap-On. Biggest drawback is no live data from the EZL or ASR modules. You still need SDS if you want complete access to everything, but the CS2000 will do a lot more than a blinker box.